WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL

Specification for Class of

FOREST CRUISER  (94880)

Definition: As the leader of a cruising team, performs the preliminary cruise on all timber types and verifies local unit cruises on secondgrowth conifers, hardwoods, thinnings and salvage sales. Inspects sale preparation considerations and recommends changes to managers or the Forest Check Cruiser 2

Typical Work

Determines and plans best sampling method; cruises the area by examining each tree in sample; marks and measures and/or examines each tree to be removed in a thinning sale; determines species, height, gross volume, log grades, extent of defect and net volume for each tree cruised;

Inspects sale layout, including boundaries, road locations, logging methods, environmental and stream protection considerations, market information, etc., and reports to Timber Sales Division;

Visits sawmills to observe the processing of logs from area to aid in the identification of hidden defects and to determine the actual cutout; visits bureau scaling stations to gain grading experience from bureau scalers;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: timber cruising methods and procedures including measurement and marketability by species, grade and defect; timber sales layout including the location of boundaries, roads and equipment settings; timber sales appraisal; and basic surveying.

Ability to: estimate tree height and diameter; identify species; identify and estimate extent of defect; identify log grades; estimate gross and net volume; estimate logging and hauling costs; conduct timber cruises in remote areas over difficult terrain during inclement weather; travel frequently and for extended periods; use timber measurement instruments; inspect and accomplish staff compass and chain surveys.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of experience performing forestry tasks, including one year of field participation in timber cruising activities for land exchange or timber buying and selling purposes.

New class effective: 12-1-66
Revised minimum qualifications: 1-1-69
Revised definition and minimum qualifications: 6-25-76
Revised minimum qualifications: 9-28-77